Map Festival

The National Library of Scotland is the nation’s living memory – preserving the past, enriching the present, and inspiring current and future generations through access to knowledge, culture, and innovation. We chart the DNA of Scottish society by documenting, preserving and sharing precious collections that capture our past and present. We support education, promote inclusivity, empower informed citizenship, and contribute to the economic and social fabric of the nation. We strive to understand Scotland’s place in the world and to explore connections with our neighbours near and far.2025 marks the Library's 100th birthday. Founded by an Act of Parliament in August 1925, our collections date back hundreds of years, from the earliest manuscripts to the latest bestseller. Learn more aboutwho we are and what we doon our website.National Library of Scotland Privacy StatementWe use an external website, Eventbrite, for online event bookings. To make a booking to attend an event run by the Library through Eventbrite, you will be asked to register with your name and email address through the Eventbrite website. We will use your personal data to register your booking and manage the event. Read our fullevents privacy noticeon our website.

National Library of Scotland

Celebrate the wonderful world of maps with a full day of activities.

33 Salisbury Place

Ever wondered what secrets lie in a map? Or wanted to go behind the scenes of a major collection? Do you just love maps?Join us for the Map Festival, a day dedicated to all things cartographic. Discover the amazing maps and aerial photographs held by:<ul><li>Edinburgh City Archives</li></ul><ul><li>Historic Environment Scotland</li></ul><ul><li>National Collection of Aerial Photography</li></ul><ul><li>National Library of Scotland</li></ul><ul><li>National Records of Scotland</li></ul><ul><li>University of Edinburgh</li></ul>This is a hands-on event for everyone. Get a temporary map tattoo, try map-based games and puzzles, or chill with cartographic crafts and colouring.There will be an opportunity to go behind the scenes to see our map collection first-hand. Or get a selfie with our trig point (replica of the concrete pillars you find on top of mountains).This is a free drop-in event.Our programme of bookable talks about some of the amazing maps held by local libraries and archives will be announced shortly.

Our {communityGuidelinesLink} describe the sort of content we prohibit on Eventbrite. If you suspect an event may be in violation, you can report it to us so we can investigate.

To report other categories of prohibited or illegal content, submit {link}

Map Festival

More events from National Library of Scotland

Discover more events from National Library of Scotland, from Hobbies to other experiences you might love.

Still looking for the right event?

Explore all events in Edinburgh and filter by date, category, and more to find the perfect fit.

Map Festival

More events from National Library of Scotland

Discover more events from National Library of Scotland, from Hobbies to other experiences you might love.

More Hobbies events

Browse more Hobbies events with different dates, prices, and formats to find your next great experience.

Still looking for the right event?

Explore all events in Edinburgh and filter by date, category, and more to find the perfect fit.